Will Still was quick to calm the fears of Southampton supporters when the West Ham United-linked Mateus Fernandes was nowhere to be seen during Saturday’s pre-season clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.
At a time in which Alexander Isak’s absence from Newcastle’s tour in the Far East kicked up the speculation a notch, the new man in the St Mary’s dugout – former RC Lens coach Will Still – is hoping to nip any drama in the bud.
Mateus Fernandes is one of West Ham’s remaining midfield targets heading into the final few weeks of the summer window.
And while reports suggest that West Ham United will likely have to raise funds first before they can meet Southampton’s £30 million asking price, even the most optimistic Saints supporter would have to admit that retaining Fernandes’ services beyond deadline day may be something of a minor miracle.
Mateus Fernandes during Southampton Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Will Still speaks out as West Ham United eye Southampton ace Mateus Fernandes
Southampton fought back from 2-0 down to claim a battling draw with local rivals Brighton on Saturday.
Fernandes was nowhere to be seen, though Still insists that his absence was the result of a recent illness rather than because of any imminent departure.
“There’s noise around him, but he’s a good player. He’s shown his quality over the past year, and there is interest. We can’t lie about that,” Still told BBC Radio Solent.
“But Matty hasn’t been very well and wasn’t in the building the last three days and wasn’t here today. It’s as simple as that.”
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Alongside West Ham, Fernandes has been linked with Crystal Palace and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Southampton are reportedly looking for around £30 million.
One of very few bright sparks in a disastrous 2023/24 campaign, the Portugal Under-21 international topped the charts for Premier League assists [four] while only Ryan Manning and the Everton-linked Tyler Dibling averaged more key passes or successful dribbles per match.
When asked if he felt Fernandes would no longer be a Southampton player by September, however, Still insisted that he was still hopeful of retaining the services of the former Sporting Lisbon starlet
“The price has been set,” says the new boss, a few months younger than West Ham’s new striker signing Callum Wilson. “And if that price comes in, there will be negotiations. But, for the moment, nothing has been met and Matty is still here.
“I hope he gets better.”
Will Still during Southampton Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Tyler Dibling and Shea Charles have been linked with West Ham
Hammers News have been informed that Graham Potter likes Southampton winger Tyler Dibling too. West Ham appear to be prioritising an athletic, ball-carrying, creative central midfielder in the Mateus Fernandes mould at present, however.
According to The Guardian, Everton are offering £40 million to bring Dibling to Merseyside.
Shea Charles is another St Mary’s talent with admirers at the London Stadium. Football League expert Ali Maxwell thinks ex-Man City youngster Charles is a £60 million player in the making, and he was arguably Southampton’s standout performer during that Brighton friendly.
“I think he’ll be the standout central midfielder in the Championship this season,” Maxwell said on the Not The Top 20 podcast.
“I’m actually so bullish on Shea Charles that, without wanting to over exaggerate, I would say he’s one, maybe two seasons away from being considered a £50 – £60 million player.
“He is a player with so few weaknesses. When it comes to interceptions, key passes, tackles… He covers so much ground. He’s physically impeccable for a 21-year-old. And, on the ball as well, just divine.
“So, as you can tell, I am pretty up for seeing Shea Charles play for Southampton!”